Hot and Fresh Selections on Malasada Day

March 2, 2014

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Rachel Breit

While Fat Tuesday is recognized around the world as a special occasion, when one is encouraged to indulge in tasty treats prior to the start of Lent, Hawaii residents have taken the celebration to the next level on Malasada Day in the Islands.

Napoleon’s Bakery serves as Hawaii’s goto source for malasadas, whether it’s for Fat Tuesday, March 4, or customers simply stopping in for a delicious treat for any occasion.

When Zippy’s president and CEO Jason Higa wanted to provide his loyal customers with freshly made hot items at the Napoleon’s Bakery counter, the restaurant’s team of culinary artists crafted a special menu composed of favorite local treats. Approximately 10 years later, the aptly named Hot and Fresh menu now is available at 11 locations spanning Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island, and customers continue to clamor for the made-to-order desserts.

“Everything is made to order. For example, malasadas only take three or four minutes to prepare, and they’re ready to go. You’re guaranteed to have the items served hot if you wish,” says Kris Campbell, retail bakery manager for Zippy’s.

The Hot and Fresh menu is now available daily at the following Zippy’s locations: Ewa, Kapolei, Kailua, Koko Marina, Makiki, Mililani, Pearlridge, Vineyard, Wahiawa, Kahului and Hilo.

“We’ve had our Hot and Fresh menu for a while now, but a lot of customers still don’t know about the items,” says Campbell of the selections, which include malasadas, andagi and jin dui. “We had a lot more items before, but there was just too many to choose from. So, we broke it down to the best-sellers, which are currently favorites on the menu.”

Malasadas (79 cents each, $8.60 for a dozen; prices may vary by location) remain a best-seller. Customers also rave about Filled Malasadas ($1.10 each, $12.25 for a dozen), which offer the same delicious doughy treats with an infusion of custard, chocolate or haupia fillings. Campbell notes that malasadas are perfect at any time, including holidays and special events such as Fat Tuesday, or family parties and get-togethers. The Portuguese doughnuts are deep-fried until golden brown, and rolled in sugar or cinnamon to sweeten each warm, doughy bite.

“I have to say that our malasadas are some of the best I’ve ever had on the island,” Campbell says. “I encourage customers to try them and be the judge! And, they’re good the next day, too. Just pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds or so, and they taste like they were just made.”

Andagi (78 cents each, $8.50 for a dozen), sweet deep-fried balls of dough, also are on the Hot and Fresh menu, and are available with banana (88 cents each, $9.75 for a dozen). Jin Dui ($1.30 for three, $4.75 for a dozen) are also made to order, and the Chinese pastries composed of rice flour coated with sesame seeds continually roll out of the kitchen, much to the delight of awaiting diners.

“It’s almost like enjoying items that you baked fresh in your own kitchen at home,” says Campbell of the delightful offerings, each of which feature distinct flavors to please a variety of tastes. They all include basic ingredients — flour, eggs, milk and sugar — without the need for preservatives.

Throughout March, Napoleon’s Bakery is also presenting a trio of blueberry-inspired specials: Blueberry Cloud Cake ($15.25, not available at Kahului or Hilo locations); Blueberry Yeast Donut ($1.20); and Blueberry Mahina Pie ($1.40). Hot Cross Buns ($1.50) are available from March 5 through April 20, and the customer favorites feature nuts for added texture and lemon glaze to top off the treat.

Napoleon’s Bakery also highlights a well-known selection of treats available every day, including Fat Tuesday favorites: Napples ($1.85 each). The signature flaky pastries are made with a choice of apple, chocolate, coconut, blueberry cream cheese or cherry fillings.

Napoleon’s Bakery

The Hot and Fresh menu is available at the following Zippy’s locations: Ewa, Kapolei, Kailua, Koko Marina, Makiki, Mililani, Pearlridge, Vineyard, Wahiawa, Kahului and Hilo. Prices may vary by location.
Hours vary by location, call for operating hours.
973-0880Zippys.com